Open to
the public Occasionally In use Preserved Controlled by France | Built by CORF Garrison 43 | |
 | ||
Materials Concrete, steel, rock excavation Battles/wars Italian invasion of France Similar Ouvrage Janus, Ouvrage Les Aittes, Ouvrage Restefond, Ouvrage Col du Granon, Ouvrage Saint Ours Haut | ||
Ouvrage Gondran is a lesser work (petit ouvrage) of the Maginot Line's Alpine extension, the Alpine Line. The ouvrage consists of one entry block, one infantry block and one observation block. Gondran was commenced in June 1933, and was intended to cover the gap between Janus and Les Aittes. The site is close to two older forts, designated Gondran C and Gondran D. The Maginot fortification became known as Gondran E.
Contents
The fortified area is near the Les Gondrans portion of the Montgenèvre ski area.
Description
See Fortified Sector of the Dauphiné for a broader discussion of the Dauphiné sector of the Alpine Line.The ouvrage was never completed. As the emergency exit was on the same level as the main portion it was used during peacetime as the main entrance. It is sometimes called "Gondran E."
Fort Gondran
Fort Gondran is the center of a series of high-altitude fortifications in the area of Montgenevre, built between 1885 and 1910. The positions were anchored by the main fort, also known as Gondran C 44°53′30.58″N 06°42′49.73″E, with smaller positions designated Gondran A, B and D, extending in a line roughly 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) long. The positions were occupied by 800 men, and were known as the "Gondran line."
Action
On 18 June 1940 the ouvrage was fired upon by the Italian Fort Chaberton.
Present condition
Gondran is managed by the Association de Vauban à Maginot, which opens it a few days each year, including Bastille Day.